If your computer is running and there’s a storm on the horizon, you might feel nervous about a potential power shortage that causes your computer to shut down immediately. If that were to ever occur, it would cause your computer to restart once the power returns, but it will interrupt operations on your device in the interim.
However, you can take measures to prevent your computer from being shut down quickly due to a power shortage when you invest in a computer power backup. Different levels of backup power supplies will be able to keep your devices powered for different lengths of time.
But no matter the strength of the battery, having a computer power backup in general is important. It will keep your devices safe and powered on despite any outages that occur.
What to Look for in a Computer Power Backup
A backup power supply is also known as a UPS, which stands for uninterruptible power supply. Finding a UPS for your devices is not as simple as simply looking at how many outlets there are.
There are far more factors to take into consideration, all of which can ultimately help you figure out which option is the best choice for your power supply needs. Here are some of the best elements to consider when you are considering your power backup options.
Devices
The number of devices that you plan on using the power backup for will determine the size of the power supply that you should purchase. If you have more devices than a certain power supply can handle, then you’ll need to rule out that option because it won’t work for your needs.
The amount of power that each of your devices will take up when connected to a backup power supply will also affect the amount of power you will need from a backup power source. Some people only need one backup power supply, but if your devices require more power than a singular power backup can provide, then you will need multiple power sources.
Watt-Hours
Being able to measure how long your power backup will last is very important. Most battery supplies are measured in watt-hours, which represent how long a power supply will last per watt of output being powered.
For example, a power supply that offers 150 watt-hours of power can run for roughly 150 hours when powering a device of 1 watt. However, if you plug a device that requires 30 watts into the same power supply, you would only be able to utilize that battery for about 5 hours.
To determine the length of time that a power supply offers, all you have to do is divide the watt-hour rating of the battery by the draw of the devices using the battery. That should leave you with an approximation of how long the battery will last.
Protection
A great feature to have as part of a computer power backup is surge protection. A surge protector is important because your power backup will be plugged into the wall, and if there is a power surge, your power backup will be damaged without surge protection.
Price
Battery backups can be very expensive seeing as they are basically oversized batteries. But the fact of the matter is that they can protect your equipment in a way that will save you much more money in the end. A good power backup can cost anywhere from $100 to over $500 but that is only a fraction of the cost of a good computer or monitor that you would have to replace without a backup battery.
The Best Computer Power Backup
By considering all of the factors above, you can start to think about what you really want out of a computer power backup. There is not much complexity to backup batteries, but they are a fantastic piece of equipment that will keep your computer safe. With that in mind, here are some of the best computer power backup supplies out there.
The APC Back-UPS is a battery backup unit that also doubles as a surge protector. One aspect that really stands out is that there are 8 total outlets, and 4 of them connect to the battery while the other 4 do not. This is helpful to know because if you were to plug in a fan or something non-essential, the device would not drain the battery in the event of a power failure.
Pros
- Built-in surge protector
- 4 outlets connect to the battery
- 4 outlets do not connect to the battery
- Network in and out ports
- Can be powered on and off
Cons
- Small in size
Best For
- Short periods of power loss
Pricing
- 600 VA: $68.99
- 650 VA: $79.99
The Dell EMC SmartUPS 1500 is a huge battery and yet it is not even the largest option that Dell offers. The SmartUPS 1500 power backup allows you to connect your UPS to a network that makes it easy to monitor and remotely update operations.
Pros
- 8 outlets
- Built-in surge protector
- Easy to turn on and off
- Network capabilities
Cons
- All outlets connect to the battery
Best For
- Professional environments
- Designated IT
Pricing
- $520
If you want a battery with a small and inconspicuous design, the APC Back-UPS Pro might be the perfect option for you. With a small design, the APC Back-UPS Pro 1000 will fit perfectly underneath or behind a desk where it will power all of your devices with ease. This battery has a lot of power to it, meaning it can keep multiple devices turned on for longer periods of time.
Pros
- Great battery life
- 4 outlets connect to the battery
- 4 outlets do not connect to the battery
- Built-in surge protector
- Battery levels visible on the front panel
Cons
- Possibility of defective batteries
Best For
- Long battery life
Pricing
- $118.99
When you start looking for power supplies and outlets, more often than not you will discover a CyberPower battery backup in the mix. CyberPower is an extremely reliable company and the 450 VA Battery is no exception to its high-quality products. Its light build and 5-foot plug are perfect for those of you who are frequently on the go and need a UPS that can be easily transported.
Pros
- 4 outlets connect to the battery
- 4 outlets do not connect to the battery
- Built-in surge protector
- Easy to turn on and off
- Small build
Cons
- Small battery
- Only helpful for short periods of time
Best For
- Mobility
Pricing
- $44.99
Brands Built to Trust
Every brand name that we listed is known for providing quality products that protect computers and electronic equipment. CyberPower, APC, Dell and many more companies have a wide array of computer power backups that are ever-evolving to make sure your equipment is safe and secure in times of uncertainty.
These UPS machines can be used for more than just computers. They can also be paired with various types of wall-powered equipment, like sleep apnea machines or security systems to ensure that these vital tools are powered at all times.